Written by:undefined undefined
Published: 29-11-2022
Colombia is one of the fastest-growing destinations and has so many things to offer. It is rich in diversity of nature, beauty, and ecology, and is perfect for explorers, eco-lovers, culture enthusiasts, and adventurous travelers. While tourism in Colombia was virtually non-existent for years due to conflict, civil war, and drug barons, that’s not the case today. The country is slowly but surely establishing itself as a major tourist destination, drawing in travelers with its Caribbean coastline, rainforest, endangered animals, unique ecosystems, and the Andes. Discover why you should visit Colombia RIGHT NOW!
Indigenous Colombians
Biodiverse Landscapes
Colombia is categorized as a megadiverse country, which means it is blessed with magnificent biodiversity. The Andes runs throughout and comprises three connecting mountain ranges, with Bogotá situated on a flat savannah within them. Meanwhile, the Amazon rainforest covers 35 percent of Colombia and is home to many indigenous communities, endangered animals, and endemic flora. However, the country’s gorgeous landscapes don’t stop at the rainforest. Two different ecosystems connect in many areas of Colombia, but the most unique is where the Amazon meets the Andes, creating the Serranía de la Macarena National Natural Park. The country also has two desert areas, La Guajira and La Tatacoa, and its coastlines, one on the Caribbean and the other on the Pacific, have beautiful beaches backed by snow-capped mountains and lush forests. Colombia is also home to a large páramo ecosystem that helps create rain.
Colombian Countryside
Climate
Colombia’s proximity to the Equator gives the country a year-round tropical climate that is altitude-dependent. At sea level, the temperature is a constant 86F (30C), with no seasons. The higher the altitude, the colder the average temperature. Bogotá is 8,675ft (2,644m) above sea level, giving it a comfortable year-round average temperature of 64F (18C).
Once-in-a-lifetime Experiences
Colombia is full of exciting adventures, with the biodiverse environment creating the perfect location for many activities. The choice is almost endless, with white water rafting, surfing, whale watching in the Pacific, kitesurfing in the Caribbean, waterskiing, cliff jumping, diving off the island of San Andrés, snorkeling in the reefs, or swimming in endless freshwater lagoons. You can also go rock climbing, abseiling, bungee jumping, horse riding through the mountains, hiking through the valleys, and trekking through the Amazon.
Kayaking Mangroves
Delicious Food
Colombia’s range of climates and altitudes allows farmers to grow a large variety of crops year-round, with some fruits and vegetables difficult to find elsewhere. It prides itself on its fresh foods, with restaurants, street stalls, and local cafes all making use of the produce in their home-cooked meals and snacks. Here, juices are popular, along with rice, arepas (griddled corn cakes), and fresh bread, and each city has a wide variety of cuisine styles, with influences from Italy, France, Spain, Peru, and Argentina.
Unique Wildlife
Colombia´s incredible biodiversity is the home of more than 10 percent of the world’s animal species and the highest number of endemic species. More than 1,900 bird species inhabit the country, along with more than 490 mammal species and large numbers of insects, reptiles, and marine creatures. Most of the country’s wildlife resides within four national natural parks: Cocora Valley, Gorgona Island, Serranía de la Macarena, and Amacayacu.
Colombian Birdlife
National Parks
Colombia has 59 protected natural areas, which vary in landscape, climate and ecosystems. Each national park is designed to protect its wildlife, ecosystems, culture, and architectural heritage, and many of them offer one-of-a-kind experiences, such as hikes, water sports, and other activities.
Trekking
The many national natural parks feature numerous hiking routes, varying in both difficulty and distance. Hiking allows you to experience the country’s landscapes and ecosystems and see wildlife up close. Guided hiking tours are available throughout the country, with the most popular being in the Valle de Cocora and the trek to the Lost City, an ancient indigenous village (now an archaeological site) created in 800CE – more than 600 years before Machu Picchu.
Trekking Colombia
Indigenous Culture
Many indigenous groups live throughout Colombia, including the Amazon, the Pacific coast and La Guajira. They strive to keep their traditions alive, with traditional foods, culture and events. They have also influenced the music in the country, along with Afro-Colombians, whose African ancestors brought the sounds and rhythms of their homeland with them.
Colonial Architecture
Colombian architecture dates back centuries, with small towns and villages all traditionally having a plaza and cathedrals. The latter, in particular, are beautiful, detailed works of art and have to be seen to be believed. While the big cities have areas of modern architectural gems, Bogotá, the country’s capital, also has a historic center home to centuries-old buildings on cobbled streets. In short, Colombia continually strives to create exquisite new modern structures while also restoring its colonial heritage.
Colonial House
Fascinating History
Colombia’s history dates back millennia, with pre-Columbian indigenous communities establishing themselves all over the country and creating many towns and cities. The Spanish, French and British have also influenced the country. In 1964, the Colombian conflict began, but the country is now turning a corner. The Colombian government and the Farc signed a peace agreement in 2016, creating, at last, a positive and sustainable future for the country.
Metropolitan Cities
Medellín (the second-biggest city) and Bogotá are both innovative cities that combine the old and new world in a uniquely fascinating fashion. Medellín has created and implemented a comprehensive urban development strategy, which has seen the city change from one of the most violent cities in the world to an award-winning center of innovation and is becoming a model for other metropolises around the world. Bogotá is also developing rapidly into a major business hub for Latin America, with many multinational companies creating their Latin American HQs within the Bogota business district.
Cartagena
It's Coffee!
Colombian coffee is considered some of the best single-origin coffee in the world. The country enjoys ideal growing conditions for coffee, with the perfect combination of an excellent climate, rich soil, and just the exact mix of rainfall and sunlight. All this together helps grow one of the best coffee beans in the world. Coffee cups are filled with unique flavors and high-quality production methods with these beans.
Sports
Sports in Colombia have seen a lot of success in recent years. The country’s soccer team is one of the best in the world, and when a match is taking place, most people stop to watch and offer support. Cycling is another popular sport, with many Colombians taking to the streets and countryside to participate in ciclovía events and long-distance bike rides.
Colombia Supporter
It´s Friendliness
Colombians are a fascinating blend of people and cultures. Colombians reflect the mix between Spanish, African, Arabs, and indigenous cultures and traits. Each region in Colombia has its traditions, unique customs, and accent, with plenty of music, food, and a variety of people wherever you go. Colombia is said to be the most welcoming place on Earth. The warmth and kindness of the people is beyond imagination.
Coffee Grower
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